Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Poop

The behaviour has a clinical name: coprophagia. It simply means eating faeces, whether that's their own, another dog's, or another animal's altogether.

Research suggests around 1 in 4 dogs eat faeces at some point in their lives (Hart et al., Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2018). The causes range from boredom and instinct to medical conditions. In many cases, it can be managed or resolved with the right approach.

This guide covers the main reasons dogs eat poo, the health risks involved, and what you can do about it.

Key Takeaways

• Coprophagia is the clinical term for eating faeces. Around 1 in 4 dogs do it at some point in their lives.
• The causes include boredom, stress, attention seeking, scavenging instinct, and medical conditions such as intestinal parasites.
• Puppies often copy the behaviour from their mother and usually grow out of it naturally.
• Eating poo can expose your dog to parasites, bacteria, and toxins from treated animal waste.
• A combination of management, training, and a vet check usually gives the best results.

What is coprophagia?

Coprophagia is the term used when a dog eats faeces. This can be their own poo, another dog's, or droppings from other animals such as cats, rabbits, or horses.

It is more common than most owners expect. A study by Hart et al. found that roughly 23% of dogs ate faeces at least once. For some owners, seeing it happen can be upsetting or worrying. But understanding why it happens makes it much easier to address.

Why do dogs eat poop: behavioural reasons

For many dogs, the reasons behind coprophagia are behavioural. Here are the most common triggers.

Attention seeking

Some dogs learn that eating poo gets a strong reaction from their owner. Even if you're rushing over to stop them, that response can feel rewarding. Over time, it can become a reliable way to get your attention.

Boredom and stress

Dogs that aren't getting enough exercise or mental stimulation may develop unusual habits. Stress from changes in routine, being left alone too long, or a new environment can also trigger it.

Scavenging instinct

Dogs are natural scavengers. Their ancestors ate whatever was available, including waste. That instinct can still surface. Some dogs simply find the smell of faeces interesting or appealing.

Copying their mother or other dogs

Mother dogs clean up after their puppies by consuming waste. A young puppy may observe and copy this. In multi-dog households, one dog doing it can sometimes lead others to follow.

Hiding indoor accidents

If a dog has previously been scolded after an accident indoors, they may eat the evidence to avoid a reaction. This is more likely if punishment has been used during toilet training.

Medical and nutritional causes of poop eating

Sometimes the behaviour has a physical cause. This is worth considering, particularly if it has started suddenly.

Possible medical causes include:

• Intestinal parasites - worms can increase appetite and drive unusual eating habits
• Malabsorption conditions - exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and other digestive disorders mean nutrients are not properly absorbed, which can leave a dog seeking extra nutrition from an unusual source
• Increased appetite from illness - conditions such as diabetes can make dogs feel persistently hungry
• Medication side effects - steroids and some other drugs can increase appetite and alter behaviour

If poop eating is new, or if it's paired with weight loss, a dull coat, or loose stools, speak to your vet. A faecal test and blood work can help rule out an underlying issue.

Why do puppies eat their own poop?

It's quite common for puppies to eat poo, and it doesn't always signal a problem.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. They may eat faeces out of curiosity, or because they've watched their mother do it during the early weeks of life. Many puppies simply grow out of it as they mature.

That said, if the habit continues past six months, or if your puppy is losing weight, seems lethargic, or has an upset stomach, it's worth getting them checked. Medivet offers a free initial puppy consultation, which is a great chance to raise this alongside any other questions you have about your puppy's health.

Why do dogs eat cat poop and other animals' droppings

Cat poo is particularly appealing to many dogs. Cat food tends to be higher in protein than dog food, which means cat faeces often contains more undigested nutrients. Dogs are drawn to the smell and may find it genuinely hard to ignore.

Livestock manure and horse droppings can also attract dogs. These may contain undigested grains or plant matter that smells appealing. There's an added health risk here too. Horses and other animals are sometimes treated with dewormers or pesticides, and their droppings can carry residues that are toxic to dogs.

If your dog can access a cat's litter tray, try moving it somewhere out of reach. A top-entry litter tray or a cat flap fitted with a microchip reader can help keep your dog out.

Is it normal for dogs to eat their own poop?

In puppies, it's fairly common and often resolves on its own. In adult dogs, the odd incident is usually not cause for major concern.

It's worth taking it more seriously if:

• It happens very frequently
• It starts suddenly in an adult or older dog with no prior history of it
• It comes alongside other symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhoea, or a change in appetite

There is no strong evidence that any particular breed is significantly more prone to coprophagia than others. It tends to vary more between individual dogs than between breeds.

Health risks from eating dog poo

Eating faeces does carry health risks. These include:

• Intestinal worms - worm eggs and larvae can be present in faeces and passed on through ingestion
• Bacterial infections - harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter can be found in poo
• Toxin exposure - droppings from animals treated with medication, dewormers, or pesticides can be harmful if eaten
• Stomach upset - vomiting and diarrhoea are common after eating faeces

Keeping your dog's parasite prevention up to date reduces some of these risks. The Medivet Healthcare Plan for dogs includes parasite care as part of regular health support.

How to stop your dog eating poop

There's no instant fix, but a clear plan helps. Combining management, training, and a vet check tends to work better than any single approach on its own. Patience and consistency matter here.

Immediate management and environmental changes

Start with practical steps to limit access:

• Pick up poo straight away in the garden and on walks
• Supervise outdoor toilet time, at least in the early stages
• Use a short lead on walks so you can redirect your dog calmly
• Restrict unsupervised access to the garden if needed
• Move the cat's litter tray out of your dog's reach

Teaching "leave it" and recall

Teaching a reliable "leave it" is one of the most useful tools for this behaviour. Start training in a calm indoor space using food-based rewards. Build up gradually to practising it outdoors near distractions.

Practise calling your dog back to you straight after they toilet. Reward them with a high-value treat for coming to you. This gives them something much better to focus on than the poo they've just done.

Positive reinforcement strategies

Reward your dog for walking past poo without eating it. Use high-value treats to make ignoring it genuinely worth their while.

Avoid scolding or punishing them for eating poo. Punishment can increase anxiety, and an anxious dog may be more likely to repeat the behaviour. It can also lead them to eat it faster to avoid being caught.

Dietary adjustments and supplements

Make sure your dog is getting enough food for their size, age, and activity level. A high-quality, balanced diet is a good starting point. Speak to your vet if you're unsure whether your dog's current food is meeting their needs.

Products, home remedies, and taste deterrents

Vet-approved taste-aversion supplements are also available. Steer clear of any remedy you haven't had the chance to check with a vet.

Managing poop eating in older dogs

If an older dog suddenly starts eating poo and this is new behaviour, it's worth taking seriously.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome, similar to dementia in people, can affect older dogs. It can cause confusion and lead to unusual behaviours, including coprophagia. A review of their current medications with your vet is also sensible. Some drugs can increase appetite or cause disorientation.

Extra supervision during outdoor time, combined with a diet suited to their senior needs, can help. Speak to your vet if you notice other signs of cognitive change, such as disorientation at home, disrupted sleep, or a loss of toilet training.

When to see a vet

It's worth speaking to your vet if:

• The behaviour starts suddenly and wasn't happening before
• It's happening very frequently
• Your dog is losing weight, vomiting, or has loose stools alongside it
• Your dog is older and showing other signs of behaviour or personality change

Your vet can carry out a faecal parasite test and blood work to rule out medical causes. If the behaviour appears linked to anxiety or a specific trigger, a referral to a certified clinical veterinary behaviourist may be a helpful next step.